Toyota has revealed the new-generation Yaris ahead of an Australian arrival in mid-2020.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the brand promises its most affordable model will offer a sharper drive, new powertrain options and the latest safety tech.
According to Toyota, the new underpinnings increase driving enjoyment with accurate and agile performance thanks to 30 per cent more body rigidity and a 15mm lower centre of gravity.
The new platform also allows a 40mm reduction in overall height which has seen front seats repositioned to avoid compromising headroom. The new Yaris also gets a 50mm longer wheelbase.
Locally, the 2020 Yaris will be available with two freshly developed powertrains starting with a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, mated to a CVT with mechanical launch gear for smoother takeoffs.
There’s also a 1.5-litre hybrid system running the Atkinson-Cycle and using a high-density lithium-ion battery. Outputs are yet to be confirmed, though Toyota points out the hybrid “achieves remarkably high levels of fuel efficiency with acceleration tuned for both performance and economy.”
Underneath, front MacPherson strut and rear torsion-beam suspension systems have been designed to improve the car’s dynamic qualities while reducing body roll in the bends.
In terms of safety, the Yaris will come with a pre-collision safety system that goes beyond the current ability to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to prevent collisions or mitigate damage.
Toyota says “the latest system can prevent accidents when turning at intersections by detecting oncoming vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing the road.”
“These Toyota-first safety features will be standard on Yaris for Australia, in addition to autonomous emergency braking, all-speed active cruise control, lane-centring and other advanced technologies.”
Taking the safety package a step further, the new Yaris will be the first car in its segment to incorporate a centre airbag to protect front-seat occupants in the event of a side impact.
Depending on the grade, LED headlights and a 10-inch head-up display will be available.
Chief engineer Yasunori Suezawa said the all-new model debuts 20 years after the first Yaris. "We wanted to build a new-generation compact car that goes far beyond customers' preconceptions about class by building on the strengths of the Yaris as a compact car while revamping the platform, powertrain, and all other components," he said.
"Compact cars are driven by many people, so offering a pleasurable drive was a priority, but it also prompted us to use the Yaris as the starting point of cars with the world's highest level of fuel efficiency and secure safety technology."
Australian specifications and pricing will be announced in the lead up to the car’s local launch in mid-2020.
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